President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has posthumously conferred the title of Hero of Ukraine and  the Order of the Gold Star upon F-16 pilot Maksym Ustymenko.

Source: Presidential decree dated 29 June

Quote: "For personal courage and heroism displayed in the defence of the Ukrainian state’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and for selfless service to the Ukrainian people, I hereby decree:

Colonel Maksym Yuriiovych Ustymenko shall receive the title of Hero of Ukraine with the Order of the Gold Star posthumously."

Background:

• On the night of 28-29 June, during a combined missile and drone strike on Ukraine, first-class F-16 pilot Maksym Ustymenko was killed in action.
• Zelenskyy ordered an investigation into the circumstances of Ustymenko’s death.

Read also: What is known about Ukrainian F-16 pilot Maksym Ustymenko, killed in action

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